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Summer School program has been restored in Kane

Without local funds in place, it appeared earlier this year that the annual Kane Summer School program could be shelved.The district, however, now is expecting federal funds to cover the Summer School cost, estimated at $42,000.Acting at its meeting Wednesday at the Kane Middle School auditorium, the school board voted 8-0 to approve a five-week Summer School program-- pending receipt of the federal funds.School Board President Dave Westerburg joined with board members Dick Coleman, Larry Lamping, Harry Steele, Stephanie Eckstrom, Ken Kane, Ed Kocjancic and Gary Ziegler in approving the Summer School program. Board member Mark Paup did not attend the meeting.Linda Lorenzo, principal at the Kane Elementary School, said Summer School is for children from "pre-kindergarten" through fourth grade. The "pre-kindergarten" group includes children who will be entering kindergarten when classes resume in August.Lorenzo anticipates that 100 children will participate in Summer School. The proposed 24-session program is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday for five weeks beginning June 18. The last week of the program begins July 30.Lorenzo said Summer School is "an excellent program" and is "very effective."She said the summer classes "prevent students from losing the continuity of instruction."Dr. Maryann Anderson, superintendent of the school district, called Summer School "a wonderful program.""Some kids need an extended time for learning," she said. Anderson said she is confident the school district will receive the federal funding it needs to pay for Summer School.In other business at the 33-minute meeting, the school board:*Agreed to present a high school diploma to Randee Kohler, a Vietnam War veteran. The diploma will be given at commencement in June.*Renewed an agreement with First Energy Solutions for two years, retroactive to Feb. 17. Under the agreement, First Energy procures electric at favorable rates for the school district."We are saving money," School District Business Manager Steve Perry said in reference to the First Energy agreement for electric.*Approved the first reading of six policies covering issues such as tobacco use and electronic devices. The Pennsylvania State School Boards Association (PSSBA) has recommended updates in the policies.*Received a written complaint from Robert Peterson of 23 School St., East Kane, about a blank lighted sign near the entrance of Kane High School."Almost every school that has one has something on it," Peterson said. "Right now, it's a waste of money being lit every night."The sign is used to promote school activities such as sporting events and dances.The sign is not blank at this time.*Received notice that Booster Clubs, coaches, parents and community sports leaders are interesting in discussing the possibility of the construction of a turf field at the high school.In a letter, teacher Ernie Chamberlain said the field could be "used by the school as well as community-based activities."He said the proponents of the idea want to meet with members of the school board.The request has been referred to the board's Property Committee headed by Kane. No date has been set for a committee meeting.See full article by purchasing the March 8 edition of The Kane Republican.